Child support

Experienced Chicago Child Support Attorney

Children are expensive from diapers to driver’s licenses. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that $ 4,020 is the basic cost of raising each child per year regardless of the number of children. Adjusting for inflation rate, it estimated that the total cost of raising a child from birth in 2013 until age 18 was $ 94,100. That figure did not include hockey equipment or travelling soccer expenses. Both parents brought the children into this world and both are required under the laws to take care of them while they mature. It does not matter if the parents are married or unmarried. Marital status does not change a parent’s legal obligation toward any child. Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent in a child support case, ask questions and get answers that you understand. Sheryl Rae Ghezzi has both the experience and the commitment necessary to litigate even the most complex child support matters.

How Important are Child Support Calculations?

If you are obligated to pay child support, it is very important that you be aware of the complications which may arise if you do not take this seriously. To calculate the amount of child support the non-custodial parent must pay each month, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act provides for a calculation of certain percentages of the non-custodial parent’s net income. Non-custodial parents who are self employed will have special considerations when determining their income for child support purposes as they are often accused of hiding assets and income. Unemployed or Underemployed non-custodial parents may be required to report a continued “job search” to the court if the Court believes that they are capable of supporting their children “better.” The family law court has wide jurisdiction over divorced parents of children and the State of Illinois takes supporting her children very seriously. We strive to assure that our clients are either paying or receiving the correct and fair amount of child support while educating them about the process by which that obligation is determined.

Child Support Modification

A valid child support order is based on the parents’ financial situation at a certain point in time, usually negotiated at the same time the custodial and visitation arrangements for the children are made. Life goes on and many custodial parents experience financial stress as children get older and are more expensive. Often, not as often as it used to be though, a parent’s income will increase over that same period of time although they are still paying support at a lower rate. The State of Illinois allows parents to seek a change in the child support obligation, by either party, when a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties occurs whether that be an increase in the non-custodial parents income or a change in the custodial arrangements for the children that has never been addressed by the court.

We understand how serious these financial obligations can impact your family and are committed to protecting you and your rights.

Why You Need an Attorney

Whether you are the custodial or non-custodial parent a child support order will have a significant impact on you and your children for many years to come. Making sure that the calculations are done properly the first time around is much easier than trying to modify an erroneous order after it has been entered. Sheryl Rae Ghezzi will help to ensure that your rights are protected and costly mistakes avoided.

We are conveniently located adjacent to the City of Chicago and the Chicago Northshore including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northfield, Northbrook, Niles, Morton Grove and Glenview.

Contact Us

Call us 847-675-7570

Expertise exceeded only by her compassion

Sheryl was referred to me by a mutual friend. My situation, like many, was complicated, painful and difficult. Sheryl’s ability to seek solutions, advocate for my needs and keep me informed and optimistic exceeded my expectations. She was wonderful to work with, instilled confidence from our first meeting and navigated a very difficult situation to…

The Law Offices of Sheryl Rae Ghezzi have convenient locations in the city and adjacent to the Chicago Northshore Suburbs of Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northfield and Winnetka. We practice througout the Chicago Metropolitan Area including Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Kane County and McHenry County.